Burn Hut

Fern Burn carpark to Fern Burn Hut

Time: 3 - 4 hr, 7 km

The track meanders gently along the true right of the Fern Burn through riparian shrubland and grassy flats before climbing into a forest of mountain, silver and red beech. At this point the Fern Burn narrows and cascades and waterfalls become a feature. The track briefly enters the 4,144 ha Stack Conservation Area, which has other access points from the Spotts Creek and Roys Peak tracks. It is possible for experienced parties to negotiate the conservation area and use these routes. The Motatapu Track continues to the bush edge and then on to upland tussock country and the 12-bunk Fern Burn Hut.

Fern Burn Hut to Highland Creek Hut

Time 3 – 5 hr, 6 km This section is more arduous. It continues along the Upper Fern Burn through tussock country before reaching 1,275-m Jack Hall’s Saddle. The saddle and nearby creek were named after a local shepherd. Then there's a steep descent into a creek bed, before traversing another two ridges descending to Highland Creek. The descent is very slippery in wet weather. The 12-bunk Highland Creek Hut nestles in this spectacular upland basin.

Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut

Time: 5 – 6 hr

14.6 km Start your day on top of the world. From the hut, you’ll climb to a ridge just below Mount Luxmore, with stunning views across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains. A welcoming sight after a day on the tops, Iris Burn Hut is situated in a large tussock clearing. Caution: Fill drink bottles at Luxmore Hut before leaving, as there are no reliable water sources along the alpine section until Iris Burn Hut.

Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut

Time: 5–6 hr

16.2 km Experience ever-changing scenery as the track takes you over a low saddle, then down past a large slip caused by heavy rain to Rocky Point. There is a boardwalk but in heavy rain expect to cross small streams at Rocky Point Shelter. You’ll then wind through a gorge and lowland beech and podocarp forest, before reaching the shore of beautiful Lake Manapouri. The beach-side Moturau Hut has stunning views of the lake.